Choosing a Driving Instructor College

So you're thinking about an Instructor College?

I trained with a well known Instructor College - it was overpriced. With hindsight, I realise I could have done much of the training myself. What was my mistake? I didn't research the industry enough before I paid for the course...

Don't make the same mistake - research your college!

...lack of research into the business, what it requires and how each instructor college goes about teaching it's pupils is the biggest mistake trainees make before starting a driving instructor course.

We recommend that you read the following advice
before you sign on the dotted line!

Firstly - make sure you fulfil the Legal Requirements

Think about the skills you'll need...

ADIs or Approved Driving Instructors require a very high standard of driving and a sound knowledge of subjects related to teaching others to drive. This means being knowledgeable about:

Make sure that it's the right career for you. You may enjoy driving and are probably a good driver already, but remember...

You are teaching - not driving!

You will be on the road 8-10 hours a day. Yes - it's true that you decide on the hours that you work (Nearly all ADIs are self-employed). However...

To earn a good living from instructing......you'll need to do 35-45 lessons per week

Don't forget you need to drive to and from each pick up as well. Depending on how well you arrange your diary - this could add up to a further 2 hours of driving a day on top of your lessons.

How long does it take?

You must remember that you are about to start a course of training that will give you a new career. Contrary to what you may have been told...

It's NOT possible to qualify as an ADI within 2-3 months!

On average, structured college courses should take between 6-8 months from start to finish. Some may take longer, this is normally dependant on the individual not the training company.

The time it takes to qualify can also depend on which 'route' you have chosen. Are you training only for the tests or do you intend to take the Trainee Licence route?

The Company...

Do your research!

Don't sign-up for a course with the first company
that you go and see!

This is one of the main mistake made by trainees! You may end up with that same one, but you shouldn't be pushed or pressured into making a decision before you are ready. Stay clear of any colleges that use high pressure sales techniques.

The Course...

We'd strongly suggest that you...

Pick a company from the ORDIT register...

...the Official Register of Driving Instructor Training. It's monitored and works in conjunction with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The DVSA is responsible for ALL driving tests in the UK, including those required to become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).

The Interview...

You're not going for a job interview...
...YOU'RE interviewing the training company

Make sure that you find out what you're getting for your money - ask the right questions!

Does the experience remind you of a sales pitch for Time-Share apartments on the Costa Del Sol? Be careful!

Many Instructor training companies use salesman to make you part with your money. These salesmen work on a commission. They'll probably tell you what you want to hear rather than what you should hear!

The Qualification Process...

To become a Driving Instructor you must pass 3 exams.

You must take AND pass all 3 exams in the correct order to apply for a teaching licence - this process must be done within 2 years of passing the Part 1 Theory Test.

Candidates are allowed 3 attempts only at each of the Driving Ability and Teaching Ability Tests. If unsuccessful - they will have to wait 2 years from the date of passing the ADI Theory Test before being allowed to start the whole process again.

In Summary...